Feeding value of an enzymatically digested protein for early-weaned pigs

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Protein Digestion
• Sustainable Feed Ingredients

Background:

• The swine and poultry industries generate significant by-products.
• Developing novel, high-value feed ingredients from these by-products is crucial for sustainability.
• Enzymatic digestion offers a method to enhance the nutritional profile of protein sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feeding value of an enzymatically digested protein product derived from swine and poultry abattoir by-products.
• To compare its efficacy against conventional protein sources in weanling pig diets.
• To assess its suitability as a high-quality protein source for young pigs.

Main Methods:

• Multiple studies utilized weanling pigs (n=156, 100, 265, 290, 180) across different dietary phases (Phase I and II).
• The novel protein product was compared to menhaden fish meal, spray-dried animal blood cells, and spray-dried porcine plasma.
• Growth performance, feed intake, and diet preference were assessed in controlled feeding trials and a slope ratio growth assay.

Main Results:

• The enzymatically digested product supported growth rates equal to menhaden fish meal and spray-dried animal blood cells.
• A combination of the product and blood cells enhanced growth rate (P<.05).
• Relative feeding value against spray-dried porcine plasma was 91%, with comparable growth performance in Phase I and II diets.

Conclusions:

• Enzymatically digested abattoir by-products represent a viable, high-quality protein source for weanling pigs.
• This product demonstrates comparable or enhanced performance against established animal protein ingredients.
• Utilizing such products contributes to more sustainable animal agriculture practices.